So the vast majority of you would undoubtedly scoff at the prospect of a 90-degree plus day in the middle of the summer. Of course, another considerable percentage of those folks would also probably be doing so from the comfort of air conditioned quarters while likely unpregnant. However, here in our household in the extreme northwestern U.S., we are all to varying degrees: 1) living in a house whose cooling equipment list features such favorites as “box fan” and “fridge” 2) not expecting such heat, even in the warmest of seasons and 3) ever-increasingly with child. Last week during the mercury’s high point, my mother’s phone voice let me know in no uncertain terms how dreadful summer pregnancy can be (my sister and I both baking in the summer belly). She suggested that I find an air conditioner locally, but I assured her that in a city whose temperature rarely rises above 80 (with a corresponding low inventory of window units), during this heat spell they’d long since been plundered. I also assured her that the heat would break soon, and that we’d be fine. She continued, asserting that I had no idea what it’s like. I couldn’t argue.
The next morning I awoke to my dad’s sweet drawl letting my voicemail know that “while he probably shouldn’t have” he had not only bought us an air conditioner, but also sent it NEXT DAY AIR FROM OKLAHOMA. When I told Stef the news we both spent a few minutes overwatering the garden in delighted shock. Over the course of 24 hours between the news and delivery of the new Frigidaire, if you’d been a fly on our walls, you would’ve heard “I can’t believe they bought us an air conditioner” punctuate nearly any conversation.
The newest addition to our family!
Now, with the unit in and efficiently keeping the living room below boiling, we’re able to once again join the land of the whole house living. I realize that while the gift was aimed at helping Stefanie find comfort in the summer heat, I’m also winning on several fronts. I not only get a nice cool house, but also a happier partner and future mom and a pleasant boost from generous parents who continually surprise me.
-Nathan
